FAQ: Antique Dealers Who Refinishes Antiques?

Where can I find antiques to restore?

Partner with local antique shops.

1. Go into local antique stores and ask if they have anyone who regularly does restoration work for them.
2. A partnership may mean that the shop hires you to restore items on an as-needed basis.
3. An antique store may be willing to sell pieces that you find and restore on a consignment basis.

Does refinishing antique reduce value?

While emphasizing the value and beauty of an original finish in good condition, they should also advise the public that most furniture does not lose value when refinished, and that, in fact, this furniture should get a new finish when the old one loses its visual and protective qualities.”

How much does it cost to restore an antique?

Furniture Refinishing Cost Calculator

National Average	$595
Typical Range	$331 – $877
Low End – High End	$150 – $1,476

Is it OK to refinish antiques?

Antique furniture will often diminish in value if they are refinished. Unless the finish is seriously damaged, you would be better off to leave it alone. And if it is significantly damaged, unless you are an experienced refinisher, this is a job best left to the pros.

Are antiques worth more restored?

Consider Value Before Restoring Unless they are badly damaged, these pieces may be better left in their current condition. However, this is not the case with the vast majority of antique items out there. For most antique pieces, a very good restoration job will actually enhance the value of the item.

Is there money in antique restoration?

Antique restoration businesses can be extremely profitable, especially if the restorer uses their own space in which to work.

Does painting an antique devalue it?

If an antique is valuable – say 4 figures and higher – covering an original finish, with the aged patina of years of loving care, painting that piece will affect its value – almost guaranteed, negatively.

What is difference between antique and vintage?

Antique: a collectible item at least 100 years old. Vintage: A culturally significant item ranging from 20-99 years in age, worthy of being collected.

How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?

Five Ways to Tell If Furniture Is Actually Antique

1. Look for dovetailing. Dovetailing is a sign of quality craftsmanship in woodworking, used to hold together different parts of the same piece of furniture.
2. Multiple types of wood is a good thing.
3. Beware of furniture that’s made to look old.
4. Do a thorough search for labels or stamps.
5. Shut out symmetry.

How do you restore antique furniture?

Use a tack cloth or damp cloth to remove sanding dust.

1. prev. apply stripping agent to furniture.
2. prev. remove residue with old cut off paintbrush.
3. prev.
4. use hammer to give new wood distressed look.
5. Apply the Stain.
6. attach replacement pieces to furniture.
7. Sand the Entire Piece.
8. apply stain with lint free rag.

Is it worth it to refinish furniture?

Trying to refinish centuries-old furniture, without using a professional, can damage the furniture and lessen its value. The only exception to this rule is if the item has more personal value to you than what it is worth. However, wood furniture made between 1850 and 1960 are actually ideal candidates for refinishing.

How do I start restoring furniture?

1. Clean. Any refinishing furniture DIY starts with basic cleaning.
2. Examine. Take an overall assessment of the piece and determine if it needs any repairs.
3. Remove the Old Finish.
4. Sanding.
5. Chemical Stripper.
6. Seal the Wood.
7. Stain or Paint.
8. Apply Finish.

Should you sand antique furniture?

Antique furniture is typically treated with kid gloves, but most pieces are actually much sturdier than you think. Sanding antique furniture requires some effort, but it is well worth the output of energy.

Why do antiques lose value?

Informed buyers are far less likely to overpay or at least enter into a transaction without being informed on market data. What that means is more buyers are less likely to feel their ” antiques have lost value ” because they entered the deal at a more informed price point.

What year is considered antique furniture?

It is a term that is loosely used to describe a previously owned piece of furniture; however for a piece to be considered “ VINTAGE ” it must be between 30 to 100 years old. Furniture that is at least 100 years old is classified as “ ANTIQUE ”. Any piece that is circa 1990’s to present is just simply used furniture.